ESTORIL, Portugal -- Italy's Loris Capirossi snatched pole position for Sunday's MotoGP Portuguese Grand Prix by taking back the practice record at the Estoril track from world champion Valentino Rossi.

Championship leader Rossi set the fastest time on Friday but slid down to third place on the grid after Capirossi steered his Ducati round the bumpy, twisting, 4.2-km track in one minute 38.412 seconds.

Rossi is still the favorite after winning here in 2001 and 2002 but compatriot Max Biaggi edged ahead of him in Saturday's qualifying practice to take second place on the starting grid.

Biaggi lies third in the world rankings with six races left and needs a good result at Estoril as the MotoGP campaign enters the home straight.

Also starting on the front row on Sunday will be Spain's Sete Gibernau, who is second in the championship after pushing Rossi hard this season.

The Honda rider finished a disappointing fourth in the second qualifying session after making two visits to the pits.

In the 125cc event, San Marino's Aprilia-riding Alex de Angelis, who is fourth in the standings, edged ahead of Spanish championship leader Daniel Pedrosa for pole position.

Also starting on the front row will be Spain's Jorge Lorenzo, followed by Italian rider Stefano Perugini.